Filmmakers must obtain permit to practice in Lagos —Govt

Ex-Lagos Commissioner of Information & Strategy, and newly-appointed Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, has restated his commitment to pursue his duties with a more holistic approach, assuring also that the landmark achievements of the present administration in the entertainment sector will not be relented in spite of any change in government.

On the heels of the just-concluded One Lagos Fiesta held in five districts of Lagos, Ayorinde told Saturday Tribune in an interview that the movie industry like other industries will receive more government intervention and support in 2018.  He identified the fight against piracy and procurement of permit for movie practitioners as the two major issues before the ministry.

He said, “We wouldn’t be limited in our support to one particular aspect of the art. We are already engaging Lagos visual artists by putting them in charge of art installations all over the city. It is the same thing with people in the motion picture industry.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture together with The Film and Video Censors Board and the new Board of the Arts Council, which has on board two key movie practitioners – Kunle Afalayan and Joke Silva — , is doing a lot to make sure that motion picture practitioners are carried along as we tackle two major issues: Piracy and permit procurement.”

He said that the procurement of permit was necessary for smooth operation during movie shoots around Lagos and to avoid incessant harassment from the Censor’s Board.

“We will educate them to the fact that all movie practitioners need a permit from Censor’s Board to avoid harassment by the board on site of a movie shoot. The permit allows practitioners access support and assistance from state apparatus when they go out to shoot in Lagos,” he said, stating that those without permit may not suffer in untoward treatment.

“But the permit is like taxes, without tax the government provide basic needs,” he quipped.

Ayorinde also addressed the issue of continuity of Lagos State landmark programmes even as it affects changes in government.

He said, “The advantage that Lagos State has over any state is the continuity we have enjoyed since 1999, one government building on the achievements of another. For One Lagos Fiesta and for any of our activities, I believe that if a programme is popular, effective and creating opportunities for people in every sector, it means of course that it will be foolhardy for any government that will succeed governor Ambode to say that we will discontinue it.

“There may be need at that time for improvement or adjustment but what will not be in doubt is that this administration would have set a template for succeeding government to build upon.”

One Lagos Fiesta was held in five locations namely Ikorodu, Epe, Agege, Lagos Island and Ajah for the last eight days of 2017 recording millions of guests and performances from prime artiste as well as talent hunts.